There was a warm moment of applause from connections as Patonga, a promising three-year-old colt, became the standout of the Hong Kong strikes again in December (Early) Online Sale. Stable staff shared a proud embrace, reflecting the sense of excitement around a horse who has shown raw ability in only a handful of starts.
The colt, trained by Chris Waller and presented by Coolmore, drew immediate attention as the session’s top attraction, eventually finding new ownership for $255,000. His transfer to Hong Kong—secured by the Jolly Time Syndicate—marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for a youngster who already boasts a win and a runner-up finish from three outings.
Patonga’s purchase continues a growing trend of young Australian talent heading to Asia, where demand for progressive types remains strong. The new owners expressed enthusiasm about giving the colt every chance to thrive in his upcoming environment, with final training arrangements still to be determined.
Celestial Bling Shines as Second-Top Lot
In one of the session’s most heartfelt exchanges, those linked to Celestial Bling watched with quiet satisfaction as the four-year-old mare was secured for $220,000 by Nocab Racing and Bruce Slade’s Kestrel Thoroughbreds. Her former part-owners, including the Bacon family, were visibly delighted that she would remain within familiar hands.
The mare will now head to Newgate Farm, transitioning into the next stage of her career as a broodmare. Her debut performance—marked by a narrow defeat and a strong late surge—continues to serve as a reminder of her natural quality. Her new connections spoke of her as a “beautiful prospect,” noting her presence, pedigree strength, and early potential.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott echoed the sentiment, describing her as a filly of notable class whose early running hinted at a high ceiling. The decision to start her breeding career next season gives her team ample time to consider a suitable match.
Strong Overall Results Add Momentum to December Trading
Alongside the headline sales of Patonga and Celestial Bling, the session included the sale of Grinzinger Champ for $115,000, contributing to a vibrant day of trading. These high-value sales lifted the year’s tally of six-figure lots to 125—an impressive reflection of the steady demand for both racing prospects and breeding stock.
The Hong Kong strikes again in December (Early) Online Inglis Digital Sale closed with a gross of $2,884,600, displaying healthy engagement from buying groups and breeders alike. With entries now open for the December (Late) edition, momentum is expected to carry forward as the final sale cycle of the year approaches.
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